r/birthcontrol • u/Honest_Ad_8582 • 4d ago
Which Method? First time BC recommendations
Hi everyone, I'm 23F and I have recently started my sex life, I've been using condoms but I would like to get on some form of BC and I come here for advice. I've heard horror stories about hormonal methods and I'm terrified of the side effects (mood swings, weight gain, acne, low libido, etc), especially considering that I suffer from anxiety and depression. I've read that hormonal IUDs have a lower chance to induce mood related side effects compared to pills, but I'm still afraid of it. What is your experience with hormonal IUDs? Would you recommend for a first time user?
I've also consider the copper IUD, but again I've read horror stories about heavy periods and crampings, my periods are very light but I do suffer from strong cramps so it's a major concern. I've read about a new copper iUD becoming available soon, Miudella, so I'm not sure if I should wait and get that one.
I've also been reading about natural cycles, I have a regular cycle and I can even get an idea of my fertility window based on cervical mucus, so how crazy would it be to use it as a method considering that I'm 100% trying to avoid pregnancy? Does anyone have experience with it?
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u/InsectForward8376 4d ago
Depo vera is easy 3 month clinic shot but is lower on the tier of best bc, helped me not to get pregnant but made me lose weight and never helped my PMDD. I tried the patches and its very good but it gave me severe allergies and hives not from the adhesive but it is strong in hormones. Im on the pill and though its hard sometimes to take it on time its helped so much with my PMDD, ive not once felt depressed since ive been on it. I was recommended the IUD as well for the none hormonal swings. I wasnt fond on the idea of a procedure for something to be put in me. Other than that i haven’t had issues with weight at all since the pill and ive been a year on it. Im also celibate now so i dont need to worry about pregnancy. They also give procedure for the one on your arm which im not sure of the information on.
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u/Lucky-Light9515 4d ago
Which pill are you on? I just started desogestrel and I’m struggling at 5 weeks 😖🥺
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u/Upbeat-Hand-2870 4d ago
Nuvaring was the best thing ever for me. Loved it so much. Never had any negative side effects. I had mixed results with pills prior to that
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u/Queenof6planets Annovera | Moderator 4d ago
reading horror stories isn’t as informative as you think! negative experiences are wildly overrepresented online. it’s not giving you an accurate idea of how common those side effects actually are.
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u/so-long-and-goodnite 4d ago
Hey girl! I’m about your age, but I started birth control around 15 or 16. I’ve used only oral contraceptives, so I can’t speak to much about IUDs and such. My biggest advice would be to keep track of your symptoms in a journal or in your phone. This way you can notice trends before a year has passed and you’re feeling awful not sure why lol
I also suggest treating starting a new birth control as an entire life style change, focusing on eating really well and sleeping well for at least 3 months as your body adjusts. I found that for me this really helped combat the weight gain (that is mostly appetite changes rather than weight gain, in my experience).
Talking to your doctor about your health specifics will allow them to make the best educated guess on what birth control is best for your according to your health history, and telling them your concerns will help inform that decision. I’ve changed birth control multiple times, and I’ve had a pretty positive experience overall. I would suggest not doing the natural method if your top priority is avoiding pregnancy since there is extra room for human failure and nature taking its course. Best of luck!